Renkus-Heinz keeps HKFC covered
Published: ASIA
HONG KONG: A new Renkus-Heinz audio system formed of PNX82 loudspeakers has been installed into Hong Kong Football Club’s stadium. The club wanted a system with more uniform coverage in the spectator areas in addition to providing video broadcasting and audio commentary of live games throughout the facilities. ihD – Global Technology Consultant submitted a proposal, and upon approval consulted ASCL to supply and install its designs into to the venue.
Founded in 1886, Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC) has resided at the Hong Kong Stadium for over 30 years, where it hosts a packed fixture list of rugby union and soccer games. The now famous Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens was founded by and first played at the Club in 1976. In an attempt to cover a broader range of sports, the clubhouse and pitches were relocated into a purpose-built 64,000 sq-m development in 1995. In addition to lawn green bowling, swimming, hockey and tennis, the facilities were upgraded to include beauty and massage facilities, a sauna, meeting rooms and a library. And after the games have been played, socialising and dining commences in various on-site bars and restaurants.
The north and south spectator seating areas now receive audio coverage from 12 Renkus-Heinz PNX82 dual 8-inch speakers configured for 100V line use affixed under each canopy. Powered by QSC Audio CX602v dual channel amplifiers, the six zone speaker system benefits from a centralised digitally controlled network courtesy of a QSC Audio Core 250i processor, which is capable of supplying up to 64 network channels. Interfaced to a Crestron CP-3 processor, Crestron Control system management is provided from an iPad with a customised GUI for which the source and volume controls can be accessed via Wi-Fi connection.
With one I/O frame serving the main football field, a further two I/O frames have been established in the hockey pitch and the Sportsman’s Bar. Powered by PoE, the I/O boxes which come with two mic /line inputs and two line outputs operate as standalone units, connecting directly to the Gigabit Ethernet network. Fed through Rane HC-4 headphone amplifiers, Altec Lansing commentary headsets can be easily connected to A/V panels at both fields of play for live broadcasting within the HKFC facilities. In addition, live events can also be performed courtesy of a Mackie VLZ1604 Pro mixer and several Shure ULXD wireless microphone systems.
For the video transmissions, an Extron XTP Crosspoint 3200 provides analogue and digital video switching between the football / rugby and hockey pitches and the Sportsman’s Bar. The modular matrix switcher transmits HDMI signals to LED indoor displays and Christie outdoor displays via Cat-6e cabling. In HD and full stereo, ihD and ASCL have ensured that all the drama on the sports fields can now be enjoyed indoors throughout HKFC without having to perspire, get wet or missing a round of drinks.